Flush toilet

ABSTRACT

A flush toilet comprises a toilet body, a first means for supplying wash water, a second means for discharging wash water, a third means for operating as a valve disposed between the first means and the second means, a fourth means for switching the third means, a fifth means for driving the fourth means, a mechanical timer and a sixth means for being manipulated to supply the fifth means with strain energy. The fifth means releases the strain energy accumulated in it to drive the fourth means, and the mechanical timer consumes a part of the strain energy released from the fifth means to regulate duration of the operation of the fifth means.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a flush toilet provided with atoilet body, a first means for supplying wash water, a second means fordischarging wash water, a third means for operating as a valve disposedbetween the first means and the second means, a fourth means forswitching the third means, a fifth means for driving the fourth means,and a timer for regulating the duration of the operation of the fifthmeans.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Flush toilets provided with a toilet body, a first means forsupplying wash water, a second means for discharging wash water, a thirdmeans for operating as a valve disposed between the first means and thesecond means, a fourth means for switching the third means, a fifthmeans for driving the fourth means, and a timer for regulating theduration of the operation of the fifth means are widely used.

[0003] In the aforementioned flush toilets, the fifth means drives thefourth means, the fourth means opens the third means to lead wash waterto the second means, the second means discharges the wash water to thetoilet body to flush it, the fourth means closes the third means to stopsupplying the second means with the wash water, and the flushing of thetoilet body is finished.

[0004] The timer regulates the duration of the operation of the fifthmeans to regulate the duration of the operation of the fourth means.Thus, the duration of opening the third means is regulated and quantityof the wash water used for flushing the toilet body is regulated.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0005] The conventional flush toilet is provided with an electric timer.Therefore, the duration of the operation of the fifth means becomesimpossible regulate and the flushing of the toilet body becomesimpossible to carry out at an electric service interruption.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide aflush toilet provided with a toilet body, a first means for supplyingwash water, a second means for discharging wash water, a third means foroperating as a valve disposed between the first means and the secondmeans, a fourth means for switching the third means, a fifth means fordriving the fourth means, and a timer for regulating the duration of theoperation of the fifth means, wherein the toilet body can be flushedeven at an electric service interruption.

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided aflush toilet comprising a toilet body, a first means for supplying washwater, a second means for discharging wash water, a third means foroperating as a valve disposed between the first means and the secondmeans, a fourth means for switching the third means, a fifth means fordriving the fourth means, a mechanical timer and a sixth means for beingmanipulated to supply the fifth means with strain energy, wherein thefifth means releases the strain energy accumulated in it to drive thefourth means, and the mechanical timer consumes a part of the strainenergy released from the fifth means to regulate ration of the operationof the fifth means.

[0008] In a flush toilet in accordance with the present invention, thetoilet body can be flushed even at an electric service interruptionbecause the mechanical timer regulates the duration of the operation ofthe fifth means.

[0009] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the rate of the strain energy consumption by the mechanicaltimer increases and decreases as the driving velocity of the fifth meansincreases and decreases.

[0010] Resistance against the operation of the fifth means increases anddecreases as the strain energy consumption increases and decreases.Therefore, the driving velocity of the fifth means is kept constant andthe timing of switching the third means is kept constant even if thedriving force of the fifth means fluctuates a little.

[0011] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the mechanical timer comprises a generator driven by thefifth means and a current consumer connected to the generator.

[0012] The duration of the operation of the fifth means can be adjustedby adjusting the rate of the consumption of the strain energy releasedfrom the fifth means. The strain energy released from the fifth meanscan be consumed as electric power. The current consumer can be adjustedeasily. Therefore, electric power consumption can be adjusted easily,duration of the operation of the fifth means can be adjusted easily, andthe quantity of the wash water used for flushing the toilet body can beadjusted easily.

[0013] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the flush toilet further comprises a seventh means foradjusting the rate of the strain energy consumption by the mechanicaltimer to adjust the duration of the operation of the fifth means.

[0014] The duration of the operation of the fifth means can be adjustedeasily and the quantity of the wash water used for flushing the toiletbody can be adjusted easily by adjusting the rate of the strain energyconsumption by the mechanical timer.

[0015] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the seventh means alternatively selects one among a pluralityof rates of strain energy consumption different from each other.

[0016] The duration of the operation of the fifth means can be adjustedeasily and the quantity of the wash water used for flushing the toiletbody can be adjusted easily by alternatively selecting one among aplurality of rates of strain energy consumption different from eachother.

[0017] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the flush toilet further comprises an eighth means for beingmanipulated to manipulate the seventh means.

[0018] The duration of the operation of the fifth means can be adjustedeasily by manipulating the seventh means with the eighth means.

[0019] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the seventh means is manipulated with the sixth means.

[0020] When the seventh means is manipulated with the sixth means, itbecomes unnecessary to manipulate another means for adjusting theduration of the operation of the fifth means and the manipulation foradjusting the duration of the operation of the fifth means becomes easy.

[0021] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the third means comprises a pilot-operated valve.

[0022] When a pilot-operated valve is used, the force necessary forswitching the third means decreases, the fifth means is downsized, andthe force necessary for manipulating the sixth means decreases.

[0023] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the flush toilet further comprises a pipe connecting a pilotvalve portion of the pilot-operated valve with a switching valve portionof the pilot-operated valve.

[0024] When a pipe connects a pilot valve portion of the pilot-operatedvalve with a switching valve portion of the pilot-operated valve, itbecomes possible to dispose the pilot valve portion distanced from theswitching valve portion, and degrees of freedom in arranging the thirdmeans increases.

[0025] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the flush toilet comprises a plurality of the second means,and the third means comprises a switching valve disposed on a wash waterpassage extending from the first means and a selector valve foralternatively supplying one of the second means with wash water.

[0026] When a plurality of the second means discharge the wash watersuccessively, the flushing of the toilet body becomes efficient and thequantity of the wash water used for flushing the toilet body decreases.

[0027] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the selector valve is disposed downstream of the switchingvalve and connected to the switching valve in series.

[0028] The selector valve disposed downstream of the switching valve isnot exposed to a high pressure because a pressure loss is generated whenthe wash water passes through the switching valve. Therefore, theselector valve need not be strengthened for high pressure and can bedownsized.

[0029] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the flush toilet further comprises a ninth means for beingmanipulated to open the switching valve.

[0030] A large force is necessary for opening the switching valve. Whena user of the flush toilet manipulates the ninth means to open theswitching valve, the driving force supplied by the fifth means switchesthe selector valve which is not exposed to a high pressure and does notneed a large force to open and close it, and the driving force suppliedby the fifth means closes the switching valve which does not need alarge force to close it, the fifth means can be downsized and the forcenecessary for manipulating the sixth means can be reduced.

[0031] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the sixth means forms the ninth means.

[0032] When the sixth means forms the ninth means, it becomesunnecessary to provide the ninth means and the number of elementsdecreases.

[0033] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the flush toilet further comprises a tenth means forregulating flow rate of the wash water.

[0034] The flow rate of the wash water and quantity of the wash waterused for flushing the toilet body can be optimized corresponding to thespecifications of the flush toilet by regulating the flow rate of thewash water.

[0035] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the tenth means is an eleventh means for achieving a constantflow rate.

[0036] The eleventh means suppresses the fluctuation of the flow rate ofthe discharging wash water due to the fluctuation of the pressure of thewash water supplied by the first means. Therefore, it becomes possibleto flush the toilet body stably.

[0037] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the flush toilet further comprises a case for receiving thethird means, the fourth means, the fifth means and the mechanical timer.

[0038] When the third means, the fourth means, the fifth means and themechanical timer are received in a case, it becomes difficult to tamperwith the flush toilet in a way that might change the timing of thedischarge of the wash water and/or damage the aforementioned devices,etc.

[0039] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the flush toilet further comprises a twelfth means forregulating the manipulated variable of the sixth means at apredetermined level.

[0040] Regulating the manipulated variable of the sixth means enablesthe strain energy accumulated in the fifth means to be regulatedaccurately, the duration of the operation of the fifth means to beregulated accurately, the timing of switching the third means and thetiming of discharging the wash water to be regulated accurately, and thequantity of discharging wash water can to regulated accurately.

[0041] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the fourth means moves reciprocally and its operation in theoutward movement is asymmetrical with that in the homeward movement.

[0042] The fourth means with reciprocal movement can be downsized. Whenthe operation of the fourth means in the outward movement isasymmetrical with that in the homeward movement, the manner ofdischarging the wash water is optimized and the efficiency of flushingthe toilet body is enhanced.

[0043] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the fourth means is driven only by the fifth means.

[0044] When the fourth means is driven only by the fifth means, theduration of the operation thereof can be regulated accurately by themechanical timer, the timing of switching the third means can beregulated accurately and the quantity of the discharging wash water canbe regulated accurately.

[0045] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the flush toilet further comprises a thirteenth means forreleasing the engagement of the sixth means with the fifth means afterthe operation of the sixth means for supplying the fifth means withstrain energy is completed to return the sixth means to the start point.

[0046] When the sixth means returns to the start point just after themanipulation of the sixth means is completed, a user of the flush toiletfeels easy.

[0047] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the third means closes under the upstream pressure.

[0048] When the third means closes under the upstream pressure, nofailure in stopping the wash water occurs even if the pressure of thewash water supplied by the first means is high.

[0049] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the fourth means comprises a cam.

[0050] Various wash water discharge modes can be achieved by changingthe shape of the cam.

[0051] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the cam is provided with a shape wherein the component of aforce applied from the cam to the third means in the direction ofswitching of the third means is larger than that in the direction atright angles to the aforementioned direction.

[0052] When the component of the force applied from the cam to the thirdmeans in the direction of switching of the third means is larger thanthat in the direction at right angles to the aforementioned direction,the driving force of the fifth means can be reduced, the fifth means canbe downsized, and the force for manipulating the sixth means can bereduced.

[0053] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the fourth means comprises a plurality of cams and the shapeof the cam for switching the third means in the outward movement of thefourth means is different from that of the cam for switching the thirdmeans in the homeward movement of the fourth means.

[0054] When the shape of the cam for switching the third means in theoutward movement of the fourth means is different from that of the camfor switching the third means in the homeward movement of the fourthmeans, the manner of discharging the wash water becomes optimized andthe efficiency of flushing the toilet body is enhanced.

[0055] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the fourth means comprises a first cam for opening theswitching valve and a second cam for closing the switching valve, thefirst cam has a shape adapted to gradually open the switching valve, andthe second cam has a shape adapted to rapidly close the switching valve.

[0056] When the switching valve exposed to a high water pressure isopened gradually, the force for opening the switching valve decreasesand the fifth means can be downsized. When the switching valve is closedrapidly, the time necessary for flushing the toilet body is reduced.

[0057] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the fourth means comprises a third cam for switching theselector valve, and the third cam has a shape adapted to gradually openthe selector valve and rapidly close the selector valve.

[0058] When the selector valve is opened gradually, the force formanipulating the selector valve is reduced and the fifth means isdownsized. When the selector valve is closed rapidly, the time necessaryfor flushing the toilet body is reduced.

[0059] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the fourth means comprises a cam and a fourteenth means forengaging the cam with the third means alternatively at the outwardmovement of the fourth means or at the homeward movement of the fourthmeans.

[0060] When the cam is engaged with the third means alternatively in theoutward movement of the fourth means or in the homeward movement of thefourth means, the operation of the fourth means for switching the thirdmeans at its outward movement becomes asymmetrical to that at itshomeward movement. Therefore, the manner of discharging the wash wateris optimized and the efficiency of flushing the toilet body is enhanced.

[0061] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the fourth means comprises a fifteenth means for forcing thefourteenth means to a position where the fourteenth means can engage thecam.

[0062] When the fourteenth means is forced to a position where thefourteenth means can engage the cam, the engagement between thefourteenth means and the cam is surely achieved, the operation of thefourth means for switching the third means becomes sure, and theoperation of the flush toilet for flushing the toilet body becomes sure.

[0063] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the fourteenth means and the cam move reciprocally in oneunited body.

[0064] When the fourteenth means and the cam move reciprocally in oneunited body, the fourth means is downsized.

[0065] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the flush toilet further comprises a sixteenth means forcontrolling the stroke of the reciprocal movement of the fourth means.

[0066] When the stroke of the reciprocal movement of the fourth means iscontrolled, the timing of switching the third means is controlled andthe quantity of the wash water used for flushing the toilet body iscontrolled.

[0067] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the fourth means opens the switching valve in its outwardmovement.

[0068] When the fourth means opens the switching valve in its outwardmovement, it becomes possible to reduce the stroke of the reciprocalmovement of the fourth means, thereby discharging the wash water onlyfrom a selected one among a plurality of the second means. Such a mannerof discharging the wash water is convenient for cleaning the toiletbody.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0069] In the drawings:

[0070]FIG. 1 is a layout diagram of a flush toilet in accordance with afirst preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0071]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a valve controller provided for theflush toilet in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0072]FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a switching valve provided for theflush toilet in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0073]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing relations between the movement of avalve switching device and the switching operations of the switchingvalve and a selector valve in the flush toilet in accordance with thefirst preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0074]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relation between the movement of thevalve switching device and the pattern of discharging the wash water inthe flush toilet in accordance with the first preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0075]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a valve controller provided for aflush toilet in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0076]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a valve controller provided for aflush toilet in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0077]FIG. 8 is a front view of a first cam provided for the valvecontroller of FIGS. 6 and 7 seen from the right in FIG. 6.

[0078]FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a clutch projectionprovided for the valve controller of FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0079]FIG. 10 is a front view of a second cam provided for the valvecontroller of FIGS. 6 and 7 seen from the right in FIG. 6.

[0080]FIG. 11 is a front view of a third cam provided for the valvecontroller of FIGS. 6 and 7 seen from the right in FIG. 6.

[0081]FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a mechanical timerprovided for the valve controller of FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0082]FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an accelerator provided for themechanical timer of FIG. 12.

[0083]FIG. 14 is a set of sectional views of a pilot-operated switchingvalve and a pilot-operated selector valve.

[0084]FIG. 15 is a set of time charts of the switching operations ofpilot valves of the pilot-operated switching valve and thepilot-operated selector valve.

[0085]FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a pattern of discharging the washwater when the pilot-operated switching valve and the pilot-operatedselector valve are used.

[0086]FIG. 17 is a set of sectional views of the valve switching deviceand a start button showing a mechanism for controlling the stroke of thereciprocal movement of the valve switching device.

[0087]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a variation of the valvecontroller provided for the flush toilet in accordance with the secondpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0088]FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram of a variation of the mechanicaltimer provided for the flush toilet in accordance with the secondpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0089]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a flush toilet provided with avariation of the pilot-operated switching valve and the pilot-operatedselector valve.

[0090]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a flush toilet provided with avariation of the pilot-operated switching valve and the pilot-operatedselector valve.

[0091]FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram of an adjuster of a current consumerprovided for the mechanical timer.

[0092]FIG. 23 is a structural view of another mechanical timer.

[0093]FIG. 24 is a structural view of a push button type starter of thevalve controller.

[0094]FIG. 25 is a structural view of a setting device of the currentconsumer provided for the mechanical timer.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0095] A flush toilet in accordance with a first preferred embodimentwill be described.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 1, a pipe 1 is connected to a domestic watersupply pipe. A switching valve 2 and a selector valve 3 are disposed onthe pipe 1 in series. The selector valve 3 is disposed downstream of theswitching valve 2. The switching valve 2 opens and closes a waterpassage formed in the pipe 1. The selector valve 3 opens and closes aninlet of a pipe 1 a branching from the pipe 1. The pipe 1 communicateswith rim discharge ports 4 a formed in a rim of a toilet body 4 at itsdownstream end. The rim discharge ports 4 a are directed downward. Thepipe 1 a communicates with a jet discharge nozzle 4 b disposed on thebottom of a bowl portion of the toilet body 4 at its downstream end. Thejet discharge nozzle 4 b is directed toward a trap discharging passageof the toilet body.

[0097] A valve controller 5 is disposed to control the operations of theswitching valve 2 and the selector valve 3.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the valve controller 5 is provided with amechanical timer A which also serves as a driving device, a valveswitching device B and a start button C.

[0099] The mechanical timer A is provided with a cylinder 6. Thecylinder 6 is provided with a circumferential wall 6 a and end walls 6 band 6 c. The end wall 6 b is provided with an air hole 6 d. The end wall6 c is provided with an orifice 7.

[0100] A piston 8 is inserted in the cylinder 6. The piston 8 isprovided with a piston rod 8 a and a piston head 8 b. The piston rod 8 apenetrates the end wall 6 b to slide. The piston head 8 b abuts againstthe inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical wall 6 a of thecylinder to slide. The abutment is sealed with an O-ring 9. The O-ring 9is received in a groove 8 b ₁ formed in the circumferential surface ofthe piston bead 8 b. A side wall of the groove 8 b ₁, opposite the endwall 6 b of the cylinder 6 is cut out partially over an appropriatelength. A chamber α is formed between the piston head 8 b and the endwall 6 b and a chamber β is formed between the piston head 8 b and theend wall 6 c. A coil spring 10 is disposed in the chamber β.

[0101] The valve switching device B is provided with a spindle 11. Thespindle 11 abuts against the free end of the piston rod 8 a at its oneend. The spindle 11 is inserted in a guide hole formed in a guide member12 to be movable in the longitudinal direction. The spindle 11 isprovided with a cam 11 a on its one side surface. The cam 11 a isprovided with a slope 11 a ₁ adapted to increase the diameter of thespindle 11 from one end abutting against the free end of the piston rod8 a toward the other end and a straight surface 11 a ₂ connecting to theend of the slope 11 a ₁.

[0102] The spindle 11 is provided with a concave 11 b on it's the otherside surface. A surface of the concave 11 b crossing at right angleswith the longitudinal axis of the spindle 11 forms a cam 11 c. A camengaging member 13 is disposed in the concave 11 b. The cam engagingmember 13 is connected to the spindle 11 to swing between a firstposition indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2(a) where the cam engagingmember 13 abuts against the cam 11 c to project outward in the radialdirection from the spindle 11 at its one end and a second positionindicated by a phantom line in FIG. 2(a) where the cam engaging member13 leaves the cam 11 c to be received in the concave 11 b as a whole.The cam engaging member 13 stays at the first position under the forceof a weak return spring 13 a when no load is applied to the cam engagingmember 13.

[0103] A cam rod 14 is disposed opposite the cam 11 a of the spindle 11and at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the spindle 11. A camrod 15 is disposed opposite the cam engaging member 13 and at rightangles to the longitudinal axis of the spindle 11. The cam rod 14 isconnected to the switching valve 2. The cam rod 15 is connected to theselector valve 3.

[0104] The start button C is provided with a button body 16. The buttonbody 16 is inserted in a guide hole 17 a formed in a guide member 17 tomove in the longitudinal direction. The button body 16 is provided witha flange 16 a at its one end. The guide hole 17 a is provided with astep 17 b for receiving the flange 16 a. The button body 16 abutsagainst the other end of the spindle 11 at its one end provided with theflange 16 a.

[0105] Structure of the selector valve 3 is shown in FIG. 3. Theselector valve 3 is provided with a case 3 a connected to the pipes 1and 1 a, a valve body 3 b and a valve seat 3 c. The cam rod 15 is fixedto the valve body 3 b. A coil spring 3 d is disposed between them. Thecoil spring 3 d forces the valve body 3 b to abut it against the valveseat 3 c. When no external load is applied to the cam rod 15, the valvebody 3 b abuts against the valve seat 3 c under the biasing force of thecoil spring 3 d and the upstream pressure to close the inlet of the pipe1 a. When an external load is applied to the cam rod 15 and the cam rod15 is forced toward the valve body 3 b, the valve body 3 b leaves thevalve seat 3 c against the biasing force of the coil spring 3 d to openthe inlet of the pipe 1 a. As indicated by arrows, a part of the washwater passing through the pipe 1 flows into the pipe 1 a through theselector valve 3.

[0106] The switching valve 2 has the same structure as the selectorvalve 3.

[0107] The switching valve 2, the selector valve 3, the valve controller5, etc. are disposed in a receiving space formed in the toilet body 4.The receiving space is not shown in Figures.

[0108] The operation of the flush toilet in accordance with the presentpreferred embodiment will be described.

[0109] When the flush toilet is not being used, the valve controller 5is in the initial condition as shown in FIG. 2(a). The switching valve 2closes the water passage formed in the pipe 1 and the selector valve 3closes the inlet of the pipe 1 a.

[0110] The button body 16 of the start button C projects from the guidemember 17 forming a ceiling of the receiving space in the toilet body 4.The flange 16 a abuts against the step 17 b.

[0111] The spindle 11 of the valve switching device B is located at thestart point and projects from the guide member 12. The cam engagingmember 13 is located at the first position. The cam rod 14 is locatedbetween the cam 11 a and the end wall 6 b of the cylinder 6. The cam rod15 is located between the cam engaging member 13 and the end wall 6 b ofthe cylinder 6.

[0112] A user of the flush toilet manually pushes the button body 16 ofthe start button C in the guide member 17 to start flushing the toiletbody. As indicated by void arrows in FIG. 2(a), the button body 16starts to move toward the cylinder 6, the spindle 11 starts outwardmovement from the start point toward the cylinder 6, and the piston head8 b starts to move in the cylinder 6 toward the end wall 6 c, whilecompressing the coil spring 10 to supply the coils spring 10 with strainenergy.

[0113] As indicated by a phantom line in FIG. 2(a), the O-ring 9 isexposed to a friction force from the circumferential wall 6 a of thecylinder 6 to be extruded partially from the groove 8 b ₁ through thecutout formed in the side wall of the groove 8 b ₁. Thus, the seal bythe O-ring 9 is broken. Air in the chamber β with its volume decreasingflows into the chamber α with its volume increasing through a spacebetween the piston head 8 b and the circumferential wall 6 a of thecylinder 6. Air flows into the chamber α with its volume increasingthrough an air hole 6 d formed in the end wall 6 b of the cylinder 6.

[0114] The cam 11 a of the spindle 11 engages the cam rod 14 to engagethe switching valve 2 through the cam rod 14. The cam 11 a forces thecam rod 14 away from the spindle 11 as indicated by a void arrow to openthe switching valve 2 through the cam rod 14 against the water pressurein the pipe 1. Wash water flows into the pipe 1 downstream of theswitching valve 2. The wash water reaches the rim discharge holes 4 athrough the pipe 1 to discharge from the rim discharge holes 4 a,thereby flushing the inner surface of the upper part of the bowl of thetoilet body 4.

[0115] When the cam engaging member 13 contacts with the cam rod 15, itswings from the first position to the second position under a loadapplied by the cam rod 15. Therefore, the cam 11 c does not engage thecam rod 15 through the cam engaging member 13, does not engage theselector valve 3 through the cam engaging member 13 and the cam rod 15,and does not open the selector valve 3. Therefore, the selector valve 3continues to close the inlet of the pipe 1 a.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the button body 16 of the start button Cabuts against the guide member 12 to stop moving, the spindle 11 reachesthe end point to stop moving, thereby finishing outward movement, andthe manipulation to start flushing the toilet body is finished. When themanipulation to start flushing the toilet body is finished, the camengaging member 13 is released from engaging the cam rod 15, and the camengaging member 13 returns to the first position under the biasing forceof the return spring 13 a.

[0117] When the user of the flush toilet removes his or her hand fromthe button body 16 of the start button C, the compressed coil spring 10starts to release the accumulated strain energy and elongate. Asindicated by a void arrow in FIG. 2(b), the piston head 8 b starts tomove toward the end wall 6 b of the cylinder 6, the spindle 11 startshomeward movement from the end point to the start point, and the buttonbody 16 starts to move away from the guide member 12. The O-ring 9 isexposed to a friction force from the circumferential wall 6 a of thecylinder 6 to return into the groove 8 b ₁ through the cutout formed inthe side wall of the groove 8 b ₁. Thus, the seal by the O-ring 9 isrestored. Air flows into the chamber β with its volume increasingthrough the orifice 7 and air flows out the chamber α with its volumedecreasing through the air hole 6 d. Apart of the strain energy releasedfrom the coil spring 10 is consumed to become the heat when the airpasses through the orifice 7. The increase rate of the volume of thechamber β and the velocity of the homeward movement of the spindle 11are regulated by the flow rate of the air passing through the orifice 7.The flow rate of the air passing through the orifice 7 is regulated bythe diameter of the orifice 7. The spindle 11 moves homeward at asubstantially constant velocity determined by the spring constant of thecoil spring 10 and the diameter of the orifice 7. The elongation speedof the coil spring 10 is regulated, the time necessary for the coilspring 10 to return from the condition shown in FIG. 2(b) to thecondition shown in FIG. 2(a) is regulated, and the duration of operationof the coil spring 10 is regulated due to the fact that a part of thestrain energy released from the coil spring 10 is consumed to becomeheat when the air passes through the orifice 7.

[0118] When the spindle 11 moves from the end point to the start pointby a predetermined distance, or when a predetermined length of timelapses from the finish of the manipulation for starting the flushing,the cam engaging member 13 abuts against the cam rod 15 as shown in FIG.2(c). Though a load is applied to the cam engaging member 13 by the camrod 15, the cam engaging member 13 is only forced against the cam 11 cand does not swing because the cam engaging member 13 is alreadyreturned to the first position under the biasing force of the returnspring 13 a. Therefore, the cam 11 c engages the cam rod 15 through thecam engaging member 13 and engages the selector valve 3 through the camengaging member 13 and the cam rod 15. The cam 11 c forces the cam rod15 away from the spindle 11 as indicated by a void arrow to open theselector valve 3 against the water pressure in the pipe 1. A part of thewash water flows into the pipe 1 a. Therefore, a part of the wash waterpasses through the pipe 1 to discharge from the rim discharge holes 4 a,thereby flushing the upper part of the inner surface of the bowl of thetoilet body 4, while the other part of the wash water passes through thepipe 1 a to discharge from the jet discharge nozzle 4 b, therebyinducing a siphon phenomenon in the trap discharging passage of thetoilet body 4 and flushing the sewage in the bowl to an externaldischarging pipe.

[0119] When the spindle 11 moves further from the position shown in FIG.2(c))) toward the start point, or when a predetermined length of timelapses from the point of time shown in FIG. 2(c), the cam 11 c isreleased from engaging the cam rod 15 through the cam engaging member 13as shown in FIG. 2(d). The selector valve 3 is released from the load bythe cam rod 15 to close under the upstream pressure. The cam rod 15moves and comes close to the spindle 11 as the selector valve 3 closes.When the selector valve 3 closes, the flow of the wash water into thepipe 1 a stops, and the discharge of the wash water from the jetdischarge nozzle 4 b stops. The cam 11 a still engages the cam rod 14and the switching valve 2 still opens. The wash water flows to the rimdischarge holes 4 a through the pipe 1 and discharges from the rimdischarge holes 4 a to form water seal in the bowl.

[0120] When a predetermined length of time lapses from the point of timeshown in FIG. 2(d), the flange 16 a of the button body 16 of the startbutton C abuts against the step 17 b of the guide member 17, the buttonbody 16 stops moving, and the spindle 11 returns to the start point andstops moving. The cam 11 a is released from engaging the cam rod 14, theswitching valve 2 released from the load by the cam rod 14 closes underthe upstream pressure, the cam rod 14 moves and comes close to thespindle 11 as the switching valve 2 closes, and the valve controller 5comes to the initial condition shown in FIG. 2(a). When the switchingvalve 2 closes, the flow of the wash water into the pipe 1 downstream ofthe switching valve 2 stops, and the flushing of the toilet body isfinished.

[0121] Flushing operation of the toilet body becomes efficient and awater saving in the flushing operation of the toilet body is achieved asthe wash water is discharged in order from the rim discharge holes 4 aand the jet discharge nozzle 4 b.

[0122] A relation between the movement of the spindle 11 of the valveswitching device B and the switching operation of the switching valve 2and a relation between the movement of the spindle 11 of the valveswitching device B and the switching operation of the selector valve 3in the flush toilet in accordance with the present preferred embodimentare shown in FIG. 4.

[0123] As can be seen from FIG. 4, the switching operation of theselector valve 3 due to the outward movement of the spindle 11 isasymmetrical to the switching operation of the selector valve 3 due tothe homeward movement of the spindle 11. In the flush toilet inaccordance with the present preferred embodiment, the relation betweenthe timing of the rim discharging and the timing of the jet dischargingis therefore optimized as shown in FIG. 5, the jet discharging startsafter the rim discharging has been continued for a predetermined periodand the surface of the water seal in the bowl of the toilet body hasrisen to a level sufficient to promptly generate the siphon phenomenonin the trap discharging passage, and a water saving in the flushingoperation of the toilet body is achieved.

[0124] In the flush toilet in accordance with the present preferredembodiment, the mechanical timer A regulates the velocity of thehomeward movement of the spindle 11 of the valve switching device B toregulate the timing of switching the selector valve 3 and the timing ofclosing the switching valve 2. When the timings of switching theselector valve 2 and the switching valve 3 are regulated to regulateproperly the timings of the rim discharging and the jet discharging, thewash water is saved.

[0125] In the flush toilet in accordance with the present preferredembodiment, the toilet body can be flushed even at the electric serviceinterruption because the mechanical timer A drives the valve switchingdevice B to switch the selector valve 2 and the switching valve 3.

[0126] The velocity of the air passing through the orifice 7 fluctuatesand the rate of heating value at the orifice 7 or the rate of energyconsumption of the mechanical timer A fluctuates as the velocity of thehomeward movement of the piston 8 fluctuates. The resistance against themovement of the piston 8 fluctuates as the rate of energy consumption ofthe mechanical timer A fluctuates. Therefore, the velocity of thehomeward movement of the piston 8 is kept constant even if the springconstant of the coil spring 10 differs a little from the specified valueand the driving force applied to the piston 8 by the coil spring 10differs a little from the specified value. Therefore, the timing ofswitching the selector valve 3 and the timing of closing the switchingvalve 2 are kept constant.

[0127] In the flush toilet in accordance with the present preferredembodiment, the switching valve 2 and the selector valve 3 are disposedin series and the selector valve 3 is disposed downstream of theswitching valve 2. Pressure loss is generated when the wash water passesthrough the switching valve 2 to make the upstream pressure of theselector valve 3 lower than the upstream pressure of the switching valve2. Therefore, the selector valve 3 can be less resistive to the pressurethan the switching valve 2 and can be downsized.

[0128] The valve switching device B reciprocally moving to switch valvescan be downsized. Thus, the valve controller 5 can be downsized. Themechanical timer A can be started by a single operation of pushing thebutton body 16 of the start button C to the stop position.

[0129] In the flush toilet in accordance with the present preferredembodiment, the valve switching device B is provided with the camengaging member 13 for engaging the cam 11 c with the selector valve 3only in the homeward movement. Therefore, the valve switching device Bcan switch the selector valve 3 in the homeward movement asymmetricallyin the outward movement, the relation between the timing of the rimdischarging and the timing of the jet discharging can be optimized, andthe wash water can be saved.

[0130] The cam 11 c reliably engages the cam rod 15 because the camengaging member 13 already returned to the first position under thebiasing force of the return spring 13 a. Therefore, the cam 11 creliably engages the selector valve 3 through the cam rod 15, and theselector valve 3 is reliably opened. Thus, the toilet body can bereliably flushed.

[0131] The cam 11 c and the cam engaging member 13 connected to thespindle 11 move reciprocally in one united body. When the cam engagingmember 13 is independent of the spindle 11, the cam engaging member 13must be distanced from the spindle 11. Thus, the valve switching deviceB becomes large.

[0132] The valve body 3 b of the selector valve 3 abuts the valve seat 3c under the upstream pressure to close the pipe 1 a. Therefore, theforce necessary for closing the selector valve 3 decreases, the valvecontroller 5 is downsized, and the force necessary for manipulating thestart button C decreases. The switching valve 2 provided with the samestructure as the selector valve 3 also closes under the upstreampressure. Therefore, the switching valve 2 can be reliably closed evenif the upstream pressure is high.

[0133] The stroke of the downward movement of the button body 16 of thestart button C is regulated by the guide member 12. Therefore, thestrain energy accumulated in the coil spring 10 is controlledaccurately, the duration of the operation of the coil spring 10 iscontrolled accurately, the timing of the switching of the switchingvalve 2 and the timing of the switching of the selector valve 3 arecontrolled accurately, and the timing of the discharging of the washwater is controlled accurately. Thus, the quantity of the dischargingwash water is controlled accurately.

[0134] The switching valve 2 opens only in the outward movement of thevalve switching device B. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the strokeof the downward movement of the button body 16 of the start button C,thereby switching the switching valve 2 only, keeping the cam 11 fromengaging the cam rod 15 through the cam engaging member 13 during thehomeward movement of the valve switching device B, and keeping theselector valve 3 from switching. Such a manner of discharging the washwater is convenient for cleaning the toilet body.

[0135] The opening operation of the switching valve 2, which requires alarge force, is carried out by pushing down the start button C manually.Therefore, the coil spring 10 carries out the switching operation of theselector valve 3 and the closing operation of the switching valve 2only, which do not need large forces. Therefore, the coil spring 10 canbe downsized. The operation for supplying the coil spring with thestrain energy and the operation for opening the switching valve 2 iscarried out by pushing down the start button C. When the aforementionedtwo operations are carried out independently by manipulating devicesindependent of each other, the number of the members increases.

[0136] A flush toilet in accordance with a second preferred embodimentof the present invention will be described.

[0137] A flush toilet in accordance with the present preferredembodiment is provided with a valve controller 105 shown in FIGS. 6 and7 instead of the valve controller 5 in the flush toilet in accordancewith the first preferred embodiment. The structure of the valvecontroller 105 will be described in detail.

[0138] The valve controller 105 is provided with a control lever 106, afirst gear 107 and a first cam 108 which are directly connected to thecontrol lever 105. As shown in FIG. 8, the first cam 108 is providedwith a cam surface 108 a. The cam surface 108 a is provided with aradius R1 around the center of rotation C1 of the cam 108 whichgradually increases as the central angle a measured anticlockwise from abaseline X1 extending from the center of rotation C1 increases andbecomes maximum at the point where the central angle α is 180 degrees. Acam rod 14 extending along the baseline X1 abuts the cam surface 108 a.

[0139] A second gear 109 meshes with the first gear 107. A pair ofclutch projections 110 a are connected to the second gear 109. Theclutch projections 110 a cannot rotate relatively to the second gear 109but can move relatively to the second gear 109 along the central axis ofthe second gear 109. The clutch projections 110 a are forced away fromthe second gear 109 by a spring not shown in Figures. The clutchprojections 110 a are distanced from each other by 180 degrees in thecircumferential direction. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, each of the clutchprojections 110 a is provided with a fore end 110 a′ projecting roundlyand smoothly and a rear end 110 a″ concaving perpendicularly. A helicalcoil spring 111 is connected directly to the second gear 109. A stopper112 engaging the helical coil spring 111 and capable of engaging thecontrol lever 106 is provided.

[0140] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a second cam 113 is disposed adjacentto the first cam 108. As shown in FIG. 10, the second cam 113 isprovided with a circular arc shaped first cam surface 113 a with aconstant radius R2 around the center of rotation C2. The first camsurface 113 a is cut out over a predetermined central angle to bothsides of a cross point between a baseline X2 extending in parallel withthe baseline X1 from the center of rotation C2 and the cam surface 113 ato form a second cam surface 113 b. The first cam surface 113 a is alsocut out over a predetermined central angle to both sides of a pointdistanced from the aforementioned cross point by 180 degrees in thecircumferential direction to form another second cam surface 113 b.Connections 113 c between the first cam surface 113 a and the second camsurfaces 113 b concave perpendicularly from the first cam surface 113 ato the second cam surfaces 113 b. A cam rod 14 abuts one of the secondcam surfaces 113 b.

[0141] The second cam 113 is provided with a pair of semi-annulargrooves 113 d extending around the center of rotation C2 at its one endface. Bottom surfaces of the semi-annular grooves 113 d form a pair ofclutch projections 110 b. As shown in FIG. 9, each of the clutchprojections 110 b is provided with a fore end 110 b′ concavingperpendicularly and a rear end 110 b″extending flat. A gentle slopeextending from the rear end 110 b″ to the fore end 110 b′ is formed. Theclutch projections 110 b are opposite the clutch projections 110 a.

[0142] A clutch 110 is formed by the clutch projections 110 a and 110 b.The clutch projections 110 a and 110 b are made of a material with smallfrictional resistance. The clutch projections 110 a are forced to theclutch projections 110 b by a spring not shown in Figures.

[0143] The clutch projections 11 a and 110 b form a clutch 110. Theclutch projections 110 a and 110 b are made of material with smallfrictional resistance. The clutch projections 110 a are forced againstthe clutch projections 110 b by a spring not shown in Figures.

[0144] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a third gear 114 and a third cam 115are connected directly to the second cam 113. As shown in FIG. 11, thethird cam 115 is provided with a circular arc shaped first cam surface115 a with a constant radius R3 around a center of rotation C3 extendinganticlockwise over a central angle of about 110 degrees from a positionof central angle of 90 degrees measured clockwise from a baseline X3extending from the center of rotation C3 in parallel with the baselineX1 and a straight second cam surface 115 b extending from a position ofcentral angle of 20 degrees to a position of central angle of 90 degreesmeasured anticlockwise from the baseline X3. Radius R4 of the second camsurface 115 b around the center of rotation C3 gradually increases asthe central angle increases. Another first cam surface 115 a and anothersecond cam surface 115 b are formed by rotating the first cam surfaces115 a and the second cam surface 115 b by 180 degrees around the centerof rotation C3. Connection between the second cam surface 115 b and thefirst cam surface 115 a concaves perpendicularly from the second camsurface 115 b to the first cam surface 115 a. A cam rod 15 extendingalong the baseline X3 abuts the first cam surface 115 a of the third cam115. The cam rod 15 is provided with a step 15 a at its end abutting thethird cam 115.

[0145] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a fourth gear 116 meshes with thethird gear 114.

[0146] A mechanical timer 117 is disposed to operatively engage thethird gear 114. The structure of the mechanical timer 117 will bedescribed in detail.

[0147] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the mechanical timer 117 is providedwith a shaft 118 directly connected to the fourth gear 116, anaccelerating device 119 provided with five gears 119 a, 119 b, 119 c 119d and 119 e meshing with each other and operatively engaging the shaft118, and a generating device 120 operatively engaging the acceleratingdevice 119 through a gear 120 a meshing with the gear 119 e. Thegenerating device 120 is provided with a rotor 120 b directly connectedto the gear 120 a, a permanent magnet 120 c fitting on the rotor 120 bto rotate integrally with the rotor 120 b, yokes 120 d and 120 eenclosing the permanent magnet 120 c, and coils 120 f and 120 g woundaround the yokes 120 d and 120 e. Ends of the coils 120 f and 120 g areconnected to current consumers R1 and R2 through terminals not shown inFigures.

[0148] The accelerating device 119 and the generating device 120 arereceived in a case 121. The shaft 118 is supported by a bearing 122connected to the case 121 at its portion passing through the case 121.The case 121 is provided with a plurality of small holes 121 a at itsportion opposite the portion to which the bearing 122 is connected.

[0149] The flush toilet in accordance with the present preferredembodiment has the same structure as the flush toilet in accordance withthe first preferred embodiment except that it has the valve controller105 instead of the valve controller 5.

[0150] Operation of the flush toilet in accordance with the presentpreferred embodiment will be described.

[0151] Before the start of flushing the toilet body, the members of thevalve controller 105 are at their start points and their relativepositions are as shown in FIGS. 6 to 11. The switching valve 2 and theselector valve 3 are closed.

[0152] A user pushes the control lever 106 to rotate it clockwise inFIG. 6, thereby starting the flushing of the toilet body. The first cam108 rotates clockwise in FIGS. 6 and 8. As seen from FIG. 8, the camsurface 108 a pushes up the cam rod 14 gradually to open the switchingvalve 2 engaging the cam rod 14 gradually. Thus, rim discharging of thewash water starts. The second gear 109 meshing with the first gear 107rotates anticlockwise in FIG. 6 to twist the helical coil spring 111,thereby supplying it with strain energy. The clutch projection 110 arotates anticlockwise in FIG. 6 to move to the left in FIG. 9. The roundfore end 110 a′ of the clutch projection 110 a moves toward the fore end110 b′ of the clutch projection 110 b, while abutting the gentle slopeof the clutch projection 110 b. The clutch projection 110 b does notrotate anticlockwise and the second cam 113 does not rotateanticlockwise because the frictional force working in the abutting pointbetween the clutch projection 110 a and the clutch projection 110 b isvery small. Therefore, the second cam 113 and the third cam 115 are heldin the start points to be kept in the positions shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 10and 11.

[0153] When the control lever 106 rotates clockwise by 180 degrees, itabuts the stopper 112 to stop rotating. Thus, the outward movement ofthe first cam 108 is finished and the manipulation for starting theflushing of the toilet body is finished. When the manipulation forstarting the flushing of the toilet body is finished, the clutchprojection 110 a has already finished going up the slope of the clutchprojection 110 b and opposes the next clutch projection 110 b.Therefore, the clutch projections 110 a and 110 b are in the samerelative position as shown in FIG. 9. The perpendicularly concaving rearend 110 a″ of the clutch projection 110 a opposes the perpendicularlyconcaving fore end 110 b′ of the clutch projection 110 b. The cam rod 14is pushed up by the first cam 108 to the maximum level. The cam rod 14pushed up by the first cam 108 leaves the second cam surface 113 b ofthe second cam 113 to leave the rectangular cutout formed in the firstcam surface 113 a outwardly in the radial direction.

[0154] When the user detaches his or her hand from the control lever106, the helical coil spring 111 releases the accumulated strain energyto rotate the second gear 109 and the clutch projection 110 a clockwisein FIG. 6. The first gear 107 rotates anticlockwise and the first cam108 rotates anticlockwise to the position shown in FIG. 8. The first cam108 starts the homeward movement. The cam rod 14 pushed up by the firstcam 108 gradually comes down. The clutch projection 110 a moves to theright in FIG. 9. The rear end 110 a″ of the clutch projection 110 aabuts the fore end 110 b″ of the clutch projection 110 b to drive theclutch projection 110 b to the right. Thus, the second cam 113 rotatesclockwise in FIG. 6. The second cam 113 can rotate without difficultybecause the cam rod 14 leaves the rectangular cutout formed in the camsurface 113 a of the second cam 113 outwardly in the radial direction.As seen from FIGS. 6 and 8, the first cam 108 continues theanticlockwise rotation, the second cam 113 continues the clockwiserotation, and the cam rod 14 pushed up by the first cam 108 continues tocome down gradually to leave the cam surface 108 a of the first cam 108,thereby abutting the first cam surface 113 a of the second cam 113.Thus, the cam rod 14 is kept at a constant level, the switching valve 2is kept open, and the rim discharging of the wash water is continued.The third cam 115 rotates clockwise in FIGS. 6 and 11 as the second cam113 rotates clockwise. As seen from FIG. 11, the third cam 115 continuesto rotate clockwise and the second cam surface 115 b abuts the cam rod15 instead of the first cam surface 115 a to push up the cam rod 15gradually, thereby opening the selector valve 3 engaging the cam rod 15gradually. Thus, the jet discharging of the wash water starts. The jetdischarging of the wash water promptly causes a siphon phenomenon in thetrap discharging passage of the toilet body 4 to promptly dischargesewage and soil from the toilet body 4.

[0155] The helical coil spring 111 continues to release the strainenergy, the third cam 115 continues to rotate clockwise, the highestpoint of the second cam surface 115 b passes by the cam rod 15, and thestep 15 a of the cam rod 15 opposes the perpendicular connection 115 cbetween the second cam surface 115 b and the first cam surface 115 a.Thus, the step 15 a comes to be able to move along the connection 115 c.The cam rod 15 promptly falls down to the first cam surface 115 a, thecam rod 15 pushed up by the cam 115 promptly comes down, and theselector valve 3 engaging the cam rod 15 promptly closes under theupstream water pressure. The jet discharging of the wash water stops asthe selector valve 3 closes. The cam rod 14 continues to abut the firstcam surface 113 a of the second cam 113 to keep the switching valve 2opening. Therefore, the rim discharging of the wash water continues toform water seal in the toilet body 4.

[0156] The helical coil spring 111 continues to release the strainenergy, the second cam 113 rotates clockwise by 180 degrees, and therectangular cutout formed in the first cam surface 113 a opposes the camrod 14. The cam rod 14 is forced by a spring not shown in Figures topromptly fall down to the second cam surface 113 b, the cam rod 14pushed up by the cam 113 promptly comes down, and switching valve 2engaging the cam rod 14 promptly closes under the upstream waterpressure. Thus, the homeward movement of the first cam 108 finishes. Therim discharging of the wash water stops as the switching valve 2 closes,and the flushing of the toilet body finishes. When the flushing of thetoilet body finishes, the members of the valve controller 105 return tothe start points and return to the relative position shown in FIGS. 6 to11.

[0157] The first cam 108 for opening the switching valve 2 in itsoutward movement, the second cam 113 for closing the switching valve 2in the homeward movement of the first cam 108 and the third cam 115 forswitching the selector valve 3 in the homeward movement of the first cam108 have different shapes. Therefore, the manner of discharging the washwater is optimized and the flushing of the toilet body becomesefficient.

[0158] The first cam 108 gradually opens the switching valve 2 exposedto high water pressure to reduce the force necessary for opening theswitching valve 2. The second cam 113 promptly closes the switchingvalve 2 to reduce the time necessary for flushing the toilet body.

[0159] The third cam 115 gradually opens the selector valve 3 to reducethe force necessary for opening the selector valve 3, thereby downsizingthe helical coil spring 111. The third cam 115 promptly closes theselector valve 3 to reduce the time necessary for flushing the toiletbody.

[0160] The switching valve 2 is opened by manually rotating the controllever 106 because a large force is necessary to open the switching valve2. Therefore, the helical coil spring 111 only need to switch theselector valve 3 and close the switching valve 2. No large force isnecessary to switch the selector valve 3 and close the switching valve2. Thus, the helical coil spring 111 is downsized. The operation forsupplying the helical coil spring 111 with the strain energy and theoperation for opening the switching valve 2 are carried out by rotatingthe control lever 106. Thus, number of the elements becomes smaller thanthat in the case where the aforementioned two operations are carried outwith independent devices.

[0161] The stopper 112 regulates the angle of rotation of the controllever 106 to accurately control the amount of the strain energyaccumulated in the helical coil spring 111, thereby accuratelycontrolling the duration of the operation of the helical coil spring111. Thus, the timings of switching the switching valve 2 and theselector valve 3 are controlled accurately, the timing of dischargingthe wash water is controlled accurately, and the quantity of thedischarging wash water is controlled accurately.

[0162] The switching of the selector valve 3 by the third cam 115 in theoutward movement of the first cam 108 and the switching of the selectorvalve 3 by the third cam 115 in the homeward movement of the first cam108 are asymmetrical to each other. Thus, the relation between thetiming of the rim discharging of the wash water and the timing of thejet discharging of the wash water is optimized, the jet discharging ofthe wash water is started after the rim discharging of the wash waterhas continued for a predetermined period and the surface of the waterseal in the bowl of the toilet body has risen to a sufficient level, thesiphon phenomenon is promptly generated in the trap discharging passage,and the wash water necessary for flushing the toilet body is saved.

[0163] When the helical coil spring 111 releases the accumulated strainenergy to rotate the second cam 113, the third gear 114 directlyconnected to the second cam 113 rotates, and the fourth gear 116 meshingwith the third gear 114 rotates. The shaft 118 of the mechanical timer117 directly connected to the fourth gear 116 rotates. The rotation ofthe shaft 118 is accelerated by the accelerating device 119 operativelyengaging the shaft 118 to be transmitted to the rotor 120 b of thegenerating device 120, thereby rotating the rotor 120 b and thepermanent magnet 120 c at a large velocity to generate electromotiveforces in the coils 120 f and 120 g. The electric power generated by thegenerating device 120 is consumed by the current consumers R1 and R2connected to the generating device 120. When the mechanical timer 117consumes a part of the strain energy released from the helical coilspring 111 as electric power, the electric currents flowing in the coils120 f and 120 g generate magnetic fields. The magnetic fields formresistance against the rotation of the permanent magnet 120 c and therotations of the second cam 113 and the third cam 115. Thus, themechanical timer 117 regulates the rotation velocities of the second cam113 and the third cam 115, regulates the times necessary for the secondcam 113 and the third cam 115 to rotate by 180 degrees, and regulatesthe duration of driving the second cam 113 and the third cam 115 by thehelical coil spring 111 or the duration of the operation of the helicalcoil spring 111.

[0164] The mechanical timer 117 makes it possible to flush the toiletbody even at an electric service interruption.

[0165] The electromotive voltage of the generating device 120 fluctuatesand the electric power consumption of the mechanical timer 117fluctuates as the rotation velocity of the shaft 118 fluctuates. Theelectric currents flowing in the coils 120 f and 120 g fluctuate, theresistance against the rotations of the permanent magnet 120 c and theshaft 118 fluctuates as the electric power consumption of the mechanicaltimer 117 fluctuates. Therefore, the rotation velocity of the shaft 118is kept constant, the rotation velocities of the second cam 113 and thethird cam 115 are kept constant, and the timings of switching theselector valve 3 and closing the switching valve 2 are kept constanteven if the spring constant of the helical coil spring 111 differs alittle from the specified value and the driving force applied to theshaft 118 from the helical coil spring 111 differs a little from thespecified value.

[0166] It is possible to adjust the values of the current consumers R1and R2 connected to the generating device 120 so as to adjust theelectric power consumption of the mechanical timer 117, adjust therotation velocities of the second cam 113 and the third cam 115, adjustthe duration of operation of the helical coil spring 111, adjust theduration of discharging the wash water, and adjust the quantity of thewash water necessary for flushing the toilet body. The quantity of thewash water necessary for flushing the toilet body can therefore beadjusted easily because the values of the current consumers R1 and R2can be adjusted easily.

[0167] The bearing 122 disposed midway of the shaft 118 prevents liquidsuch as dew drops, etc. from reaching the accelerating device 119 andthe generating device 120 through the shaft 118 and adhering to them.Thus, the accelerating device 119 and the generating device 120 areprevented from malfunctioning and other problems.

[0168] The bearing 122 is connected to and firmly supported by the case121 for receiving the accelerating device 119 and the generating device120. Therefore, the bearing 122 can display an excellent sealingfunction.

[0169] The accelerating device 119 and the generating device 120 arereceived in the case 121. Therefore, they are prevented from damage byexternal forces. Liquid such as dew drops, etc. cannot adhere to theaccelerating device 119 and the generating device 120 received in thecase 121. Thus, the accelerating device 119 and the generating device120 are prevented from malfunctioning and other problems.

[0170] Heat generated by the accelerating device 119 and the generatingdevice 120 is discharged from the case 121 through the plurality ofsmall openings 121 a formed in the case 120. Therefore, the acceleratingdevice 119 and the generating device 120 are prevented frommalfunctioning and other problems due to overheating.

[0171] The present invention is not limited to the aforementionedpreferred embodiments.

[0172] In the first embodiment, a pilot operated switching valve and apilot operated selector valve may be provided instead of the switchingvalve 2 and the selector valve 3. When a pilot operated switching valveand a pilot operated selector valve are used, forces necessary forswitching the switching valve and the selector valve decrease, the valvecontroller is downsized, and the force necessary for manipulating thestart button C decreases. The pilot operated switching valve and thepilot operated selector valve will be described in detail.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 14, a pilot operated valve device 21 is providedwith an inlet port 22 for wash water, an outlet port 23 for wash waterfor rim discharge, an outlet port 24 for the wash water for jetdischarge, a switching valve device 25 and a selector valve device 26.The inlet port 22 is connected to a water service pipe for domestic use.The outlet port 23 is connected to the rim discharge holes 4 a throughthe pipe 1. The outlet port 24 is connected to the jet discharge nozzle4 b through the pipe 1 a.

[0174] The switching valve device 25 is provided with a diaphragm valve254 structured by a diaphragm 251, a valve seat 252 and a biasing spring253, and a wash water passage 255 switched by the diaphragm valve 254.The wash water passage 255 upstream of the diaphragm valve 254communicates with the inlet port 22 through a flow regulating valve 27.The wash water passage 255 downstream of the diaphragm valve 254communicates with a chamber 28.

[0175] The switching valve device 25 is provided with a pressure chamber256. The diaphragm 251 forms a part of the enclosure of the pressurechamber 256. The diaphragm 251 is provided with a pilot inlet passage257 communicating with the pressure chamber 256. A pilot outlet passage258 extends from the pressure chamber 256. A pilot valve 259 is providedfor switching the pilot outlet passage 258. The pilot valve 259 isprovided with a valve body and a coil spring for forcing the valve bodyto close the pilot outlet passage 258. The valve body and the coilspring are not shown in Figures. The cam rod 14 is fixed to the valvebody. The cam rod 14 is driven by the valve controller 5 shown in FIG.2.

[0176] The selector valve device 26 is provided with a diaphragm valve264 structured by a diaphragm 261, a valve seat 262 and a biasing spring263, and a wash water passage 265 switched by the diaphragm valve 264.The wash water passage 265 upstream of the diaphragm valve 264communicates with a chamber 28. The wash water passage 265 downstream ofthe diaphragm valve 264 communicates with the outlet port 24.

[0177] The selector valve device 26 is provided with a pressure chamber266. The diaphragm 261 forms a part of the enclosure of the pressurechamber 266. The diaphragm 261 is provided with a pilot inlet passage267 communicating with the pressure chamber 266. A pilot outlet passage268 extends from the pressure chamber 266. A pilot valve 269 is providedfor switching the pilot outlet passage 268. The pilot valve 269 isprovided with a valve body and a coil spring for forcing the valve bodyto close the pilot outlet passage 268. The valve body and the coilspring are not shown in Figures. The cam rod 15 is fixed to the valvebody. The cam rod 15 is driven by the valve controller 5 shown in FIG.2.

[0178] A diaphragm valve 29 is disposed between the chamber 28 and theoutlet port 23. The diaphragm valve 29 is structured by a diaphragm 291,a valve seat 292 and a biasing spring 293. A pressure chamber 294 isprovided. The diaphragm 291 forms a part of the enclosure of thepressure chamber 294. The pressure chamber 294 communicates with apassage between the wash water passage 265 downstream of the diaphragmvalve 264 and the outlet port 24 through a communicating hole 295.

[0179] Operation of the pilot operated valve device 21 will bedescribed.

[0180] When the valve controller 5 shown in FIG. 2 is in the initialcondition, the valve body of the pilot valve 259 is forced by the coilspring in the direction for closing the pilot outlet passage 258 and thepilot valve 259 closes the pilot outlet passage 258. Thus, the washwater is prevented from entering into the pressure chamber 256. Theupstream pressure of the diaphragm valve 254 is substantially the sameas that in the pressure chamber 256 due to the pilot inlet passage 257.The force applied to the diaphragm 251 by the pressure in the pressurechamber 256 is larger than that by the pressure in the wash waterpassage 255 because the downstream pressure of the diaphragm valve 254is lower than the upstream pressure of the diaphragm valve 254. Thediaphragm 251 is forced by the spring 253. Therefore, the diaphragm 251is forced against the valve seat 252, the diaphragm valve 254 or theswitching valve device 25 closes the wash water passage 255, and thewash water is not discharged from the rim discharge holes 4 a or the jetdischarge nozzle 4 b of the toilet body 4.

[0181] When the valve controller 5 shown in FIG. 2 is in the initialcondition, the valve body of the pilot valve 269 is forced by the coilspring in the direction for closing the pilot outlet passage 268 and thepilot valve 269 closes the pilot outlet passage 268. Thus, the washwater is prevented from entering into the pressure chamber 266. Thediaphragm valve 264 or the selector valve device 26 closes the washwater passage 265 in the same way as the switching valve device 25.

[0182] When the valve controller 5 shown in FIG. 2 is in the initialcondition, the diaphragm 291 abuts the valve seat 292 under the biasingforce of the spring 293. Thus, the diaphragm valve 29 intercepts thecommunication between the chamber 28 and the outlet port 23.

[0183] A user manipulates the start button C of the valve controller 5to start flushing the toilet body. In the outward movement of the valveswitching device B, the cam 11 a of the valve switching device B engagesthe cam rod 14 to drive it in the direction for opening the valve,thereby driving the valve body of the pilot valve 259 of the switchingvalve device 25 in the direction for opening the pilot outlet passage258 against the biasing force of the coil spring. Thus, the pilot valve259 opens the pilot outlet passage 258 as shown in FIG. 15. When thepilot outlet passage 258 opens, the wash water flows into the pressurechamber 256 through the pilot inlet passage 257 and flows out thepressure chamber 256 through the pilot outlet passage 258. The pressurein the pressure chamber 256 becomes lower than the upstream pressure ofthe diaphragm valve 254 due to the pressure loss generated when the washwater passes through the pilot inlet passage 257. The forces acting onthe diaphragm 251 are thrown out of balance and the diaphragm 251 leavesthe valve seat 252 to move toward the pressure chamber 256. Thus, thediaphragm valve 254 or the switching valve device 25 opens the washwater passage 255.

[0184] The wash water passes through the inlet port 22. The flow rate ofthe wash water is adjusted to a predetermined value Q by the flowregulating valve 27. The wash water flows into the chamber 28 throughthe wash water passage 255. The pressure in the chamber 28 increases,the forces acting on the diaphragm 291 are thrown out of balance, andthe diaphragm 291 leaves the valve seat 292 to move toward the pressurechamber 294. Thus, the diaphragm valve 29 communicates the chamber 28with the outlet port 23.

[0185] When the chamber 28 communicates with the outlet port 23, thewash water discharges from the outlet port 23. The wash water with theflow rate of Q discharging from the outlet port 23 passes through thepipe 1 to discharge from the rim discharge holes 4 a of the toilet body4. Thus, an initial rim flushing is carried out as shown in FIG. 16.

[0186] The diaphragm valve 264 of the selector valve device 26 closesthe wash water passage 265 because the pilot valve 269 closes the pilotoutlet passage 268. Thus, the chamber 28 does not communicate with theoutlet port 24 and the wash water does not discharge from the jetdischarge nozzle 4 b.

[0187] In the homeward movement of the valve switching device B, the cam11 c of the valve switching device B engages the cam rod 15 through thecam engaging member 13 to drive the cam rod 15 in the direction foropening the valve, thereby driving the valve body of the pilot valve 269of the selector valve device 26 in the direction for opening the pilotoutlet passage 268 against the biasing force of the coil spring. Thus,the pilot valve 269 opens the pilot outlet passage 268 as shown in FIG.15. When the pilot outlet passage 268 opens, the wash water flows intothe pressure chamber 266 through the pilot inlet passage 267 and flowsout the pressure chamber 266 through the pilot outlet passage 268. Thepressure in the pressure chamber 266 becomes lower than the upstreampressure of the diaphragm valve 264 due to the pressure loss generatedwhen the wash water passes through the pilot inlet passage 267. Theforces acting on the diaphragm 261 are thrown out of balance and thediaphragm 261 leaves the valve seat 262 to move toward the pressurechamber 266. Thus, the diaphragm valve 264 or the selector valve device26 opens the wash water passage 265.

[0188] The wash water flows into the wash water passage 265 from thechamber 28 and discharges from the outlet port 24. The wash water withthe flow rate of Q discharging from the outlet port 24 passes throughthe pipe 1 a to discharge from the jet discharge nozzle 4 b of thetoilet body 4. Thus, a jet flushing is carried out as shown in FIG. 16.A siphon phenomenon is generated in the trap discharging passage of thetoilet body 4 and the sewage is discharged from the toilet body 4.

[0189] A part of the wash water passing through the communicationpassage between the wash water passage 265 and the outlet port 24 entersinto the pressure chamber 294. Thus, the pressure in the pressurechamber 294 increases, the forces acting on the diaphragm 291 are thrownout of balance, and the diaphragm 291 is forced against the valve seat292. Thus, the diaphragm valve 29 intercepts the communication betweenthe chamber 28 and the outlet port 23. Therefore, the wash water doesnot discharge from the rim discharge holes 4 a and the rim flushing isnot carried out.

[0190] In the homeward movement of the valve switching device B, theengagement between the cam 11 c of the valve switching device B and thecam rod 15 through the cam engaging member 13 is released and the valvebody of the pilot valve 269 moves in the direction for closing the pilotoutlet passage 268 under the biasing force of the coil spring. Thus, thepilot valve 269 closes the pilot outlet passage 268. The diaphragm valve264 or the selector valve device 26 closes the wash water passage 265.The wash water stops discharging from the outlet port 24 and the jetdischarge nozzle 4 b, and the jet flushing is finished. The wash waterstops flowing in the communicating passage between the wash waterpassage 265 and the outlet port 24, the wash water flows out of thepressure chamber 294 to decrease the pressure in the pressure chamber294, forces acting on the diaphragm 291 are thrown out of balance, thediaphragm 291 leaves the valve seat 292 to move toward the pressurechamber 294, and the diaphragm valve 29 communicates the chamber 28 withthe outlet port 23. The wash water discharges from the outlet port 23.The wash water with the flow rate of Q discharging from the outlet port23 carries out a rim flushing for forming water seal as shown in FIG.16. Thus, water seal is formed in the bowl of the toilet body 4.

[0191] In the homeward movement of the valve switching device B, theengagement between the cam 11 a of the valve switching device B and thecam rod 14 is released, the valve body of the pilot valve 259 moves inthe direction for closing the valve under the biasing force of the coilspring, and the pilot valve 259 closes the pilot outlet passage 258. Thediaphragm valve 254 or the switching valve device 25 closes the washwater passage 255. Thus, the wash water stops discharging from the pilotoperated valve device 21, the rim flushing for forming water seal isfinished as shown in FIG. 16, and the flushing of the toilet body isfinished.

[0192] In the pilot operated valve device 21, the pilot valves 259 and269 are switched so that the switching valve device 25 switches the washwater passage and the selector valve device 26 selects one from aplurality of wash water passages. The pilot outlet passages 258 and 268operate even if their diameters are small. Therefore, small valvesneeding only small forces for driving them can be used as the pilotvalves 259 and 269. Therefore, the forces applied to the cam rods 14 and15 can be reduced and the valve controller 5 can be downsized. The forcenecessary for manipulating the start button C also can be reduced.

[0193] The flow regulating valve 27 prevents fluctuation of the flowrate of the discharging wash water due to fluctuation of the pressure ofthe wash water supplied from the domestic water supply pie. Therefore, astable flushing of the toilet body can be achieved.

[0194] A flow control valve may be used instead of the flow regulatingvalve 27. The flow rate of the discharging wash water can be controlleddepending on the toilet body specifications and the quantity of the washwater used for flushing the toilet body can be optimized.

[0195] The pilot operated valve device 21 may be driven with the valvecontroller 105.

[0196] It is possible, as shown in FIG. 17(a), to provide the buttonbody 16 of the start button C with a projection 16 b, engage the buttonbody 16 with the guide member 17 to rotate around a longitudinal axis ofthe button body 16, and provide the spindle 11 with a step 11 d at itsone end. When the valve controller 5 is in the initial condition, thebutton body 16 of the start button C abuts the said one end of thespindle 11 at the projection 16 b within a predetermined rotationalregion of the button body 16, but outside the predetermined rotationalregion, the button body 16 is distanced from the said one end of thespindle 11. Thus, the stroke of the outward movement of the spindle 11in the case where the button body 16 is rotated to a predeterminedrotational point and pushed in the guide member 17 becomes differentfrom the stroke of the outward movement of the spindle 11 in the casewhere the button body 16 is pushed in the guide member 17 without beingrotated to the predetermined rotational point. Thus, the quantity of thedischarging wash water in the case where the button body 16 is rotatedto a predetermined rotational point and pushed in the guide member 17becomes different from the quantity of the discharging wash water in thecase where the button body 16 is pushed in the guide member 17 withoutbeing rotated to the predetermined rotational point. Thus, the quantityof the discharging wash water in flushing the toilet body afterdefecation can be made different from the quantity of the dischargingwash water in flushing the toilet body after urination with a simpledevice, and wash water used for flushing the toilet body can be saved.

[0197] It is possible, as shown in FIG. 17(b), to divide the button body16 of the start button C into half portions 16′ and 16″, and provide thehalf portion 16′ with a projection 16 b′. In this case, the stroke ofthe movement of the half portion 16′ when the half portion 16′ is pushedin the guide member 17 becomes different from the stroke of the movementof the half portion 16″ when the half portion 16″ is pushed in the guidemember 17, the stroke of the outward movement of the spindle 11 when thehalf portion 16′ is pushed in the guide member 17 becomes different fromthe stroke of the outward movement of the spindle 11 when the halfportion 16″ is pushed in the guide member 17. Thus, the quantity of thedischarging wash water when the half portion 16′ is pushed in the guidemember 17 becomes different from the quantity of the discharging washwater when the half portion 16″ is pushed in the guide member 17. Thus,the quantity of the discharging wash water in flushing the toilet bodyafter defecation can be made different from the quantity of thedischarging wash water in flushing the toilet body after urination witha simple device and, wash water used for flushing the toilet body can besaved. The quantity of the discharging wash water in flushing the toiletbody after defecation can be made different from the quantity of thedischarging wash water in flushing the toilet body after urination onlyby manipulating the desirable half portion 16′ or 16″. Thus, the flushtoilet becomes more convenient.

[0198] The cam 11 a of the valve switching device B is desirablyprovided with a shape that makes the component of the force applied tothe cam rod 14 by the cam 11 a in the direction for driving theswitching valve 2 larger than that in the direction at right angles tosaid direction. More concretely, the slope 11 a ₁ is desirably madegentle. When the cam 11 a is provided with such a shape, the forcenecessary for switching the switching valve 2 decreases and the valvecontroller 5 is downsized.

[0199] In the valve controller 5, it is possible to regulate the flowrate of the air discharging from the chamber α instead of regulating theflow rate of the air entering into the chamber β, thereby regulating thevolume increasing rate of the chamber β and regulating the movingvelocity of the spindle 11 in its homeward movement.

[0200] In the valve controller 105, it is possible to use variableresistors for the current consumers R1 and R2 and to manipulate thecontrol levers of the variable resistors so as to adjust the value ofthe current consumers R1 and R2, adjust the duration of the operation ofthe helical coil spring 111, and adjust the quantity of the wash waterfor flushing the toilet body. The duration of the operation of thehelical coil spring 111 can be adjusted and the quantity of thedischarging wash water can be adjusted even while the operation of thevalve controller 105 proceeds. It is possible to dispose a plurality ofcurrent consumers with different values for each of the currentconsumers R1 and R2, and select a desirable one for each of the currentconsumers R1 and R2 with a suitable selector switch, thereby adjustingthe duration of the operation of the helical coil spring 111 andadjusting the quantity of the wash water for flushing the toilet body.Thus, the quantity of the discharging wash water in flushing the toiletbody after defecation can easily be made different from the quantity ofthe discharging wash water in flushing the toilet body after urination,and wash water used for flushing the toilet body can be saved.

[0201] It is possible to constitute the valve controller 105 such thatthe rotation velocities of the second cam 113 and the third cam 115before the siphon phenomenon appears can be decreased to increase thequantity of the discharging wash water when the toilet body is flushedafter defecation and the rotation velocities of the second cam 113 andthe third cam 115 before the siphon phenomenon appears can be increasedto decrease the quantity of the discharging wash water when the toiletbody is flushed after urination. As shown in FIG. 18, the control lever106 is constituted such that it can be moved manually between the firstposition indicated by solid lines and the second position indicated byphantom lines due to serrated connection, etc. A micro switch 123 isdisposed to abut the control lever 106 in the second position, therebybeing turned ON. A fourth cam 124 is directly connected to the third cam115. A micro switch 125 is disposed close to the fourth cam 124. Thefourth cam 124 is provided with a cam surface 124 a for abutting themicro switch 125, thereby turning the micro switch 125 ON during theperiod from a point of time just after the third cam 115 starts torotate clockwise in FIG. 18 to a point of time when the cam rod 15 ispushed up to start the jet discharging of the wash water and generatethe siphon phenomenon. As shown in FIG. 19, a current consumer R3 isdisposed in parallel with the current consumer R1. The current consumerR3 is connected to the micro switches 123 and 125 in series.

[0202] When a user flushes the toilet body after defecating, he or shemoves the control lever 106 to the second position to abut it againstthe micro switch 123, thereby turning the micro switch 123 ON.Thereafter, the user turns the control lever 106 to abut it against thestopper 112. The user then removes his or her hand from the controllever 106. The helical coil spring 111 releases the accumulated strainenergy to rotate the second cam 113, the third cam 115 and the fourthcam 124 clockwise. The control lever 106 rotates anticlockwise. Theabutment between the control lever 106 and the micro switch 123 ismaintained. When the fourth cam 124 rotates clockwise, the cam surface124 a of the fourth cam 124 abuts the micro switch 125 immediately toturn it ON. Thus, the current consumer R3 is connected to the currentconsumer R1 in parallel. The value of the current consumer connected tothe coil 120 f of the generating device 120 decreases as the currentconsumer R3 is connected to the current consumer R1 in parallel and theelectric power consumption of the mechanical timer 117 increases. Theelectric current flowing in the coil 120 f increases, the resistanceagainst the rotation of the permanent magnet 120 c increases, therotation velocity of the shaft 118 decreases, and the rotationvelocities of the second cam 113 and the third cam 115 decrease. Thedecrease of the rotation velocities of the second cam 113 and the thirdcam 115 is maintained until the abutment between the cam surface 124 aof the fourth cam 124 and the micro switch 125 is released. Thus, theduration of discharging the wash water before the siphon phenomenonappears becomes long and quantity of discharging wash water becomesenough to flush solid sewage. The fourth cam 124 further rotates, theabutment between the cam surface 124 a of the fourth cam 124 and themicro switch 125 is released, the micro switch 125 is turned OFF, andthe current consumers R1 and R3 connected to each other in parallel arereleased from each other. The value of the current consumer connected tothe coil 120 f increases and the electric power consumption of themechanical timer 117 decreases. The electric current flowing in the coil120 f decreases, the resistance against the rotation of the permanentmagnet 120 c decreases, rotation velocity of the shaft 118 increases,and rotation velocities of the second cam 113 and the third cam 115increase. Thus, the jet discharging of the wash water after theappearance of the siphon phenomenon and the rim discharging of the washwater for forming the water seal are carried out in a short time.

[0203] When a user flushes the toilet body after urination, he or shemoves the control lever 106 to the first position, releases the abutmentbetween the control lever 106 and the micro switch 123, and rotates thecontrol lever 106 to abut it against the stopper 112. The toilet body isflushed, while the current consumer R1 is connected to the coil 120 f.Thus, the duration of discharging wash water before the appearance ofthe siphon phenomenon becomes shorter than that in the flushing of thetoilet body after defecation and the quantity of the discharging washwater before the appearance of the siphon phenomenon becomes less thanthat in the flushing of the toilet body after defecation. A smallquantity of wash water can flush sewage from the toilet body because nosolid sewage remains in the toilet body 4.

[0204] In accordance with the aforementioned structure, a user canchange the quantity of the discharging wash water easily by changing theway of manipulating the control lever 106. The manipulation for changingthe quantity of the discharging wash water is simple because nomanipulation of the control lever of the variable resistor and nomanipulation of the selector switch for selecting a desirable currentconsumer is needed in addition to the manipulation of the control lever106.

[0205] In the pilot operated valve device 21, the pilot outlet passages258 and 268 may be made of long pipes. In this case, the pilot valves259 and 269 can be distanced from the diaphragm valves 254 and 264 andthe freedom of arranging the pilot operated valve device 21 increases.Therefore, the pilot operated valve device 21 can be set in a devicereceiving space of the toilet body 4 easily as shown in FIG. 20, or, asshown in FIG. 21, it becomes possible to receive the diaphragm valves254 and 264 in the device receiving space of the toilet body 4 anddispose the pilot valves 259 and 269 and the valve controller 5 in acounter 126 for washing the hands to enhance the maneuverability of thevalve controller 5. The wash water discharged from the pilot valves 259and 269 can be led to a wash basin 127 and used as water for washing thehands.

[0206] The shapes of the cams of the valve controllers 5 and 105 forswitching valves can be changed variously. Thus, the wah water can bedischarged in various modes.

[0207] The valve controller 5 or 105 is, except for the start button Cor the control lever 106, desirably installed in a container such as adevice receiving space formed in the toilet body 4, a device receivingspace formed in the counter 126 for washing the hands, or the like. Thisdecreases the likelihood of tampering that might change the timing ofthe wash water discharge and/or damage the aforementioned devices.

[0208] In the valve controller 5, as indicated by phantom lines in FIG.2(a), an auxiliary control lever 16′ may be manipulated before startingthe manipulation of the start button C to drive the cam rod 14 in thedirection indicated by a void arrow, thereby opening the switching valve2. This decreases the force necessary for manipulating the start buttonC. When a user removes his or her hand from the auxiliary lever 16′after finishing the manipulation of the start button C, the cam rod 14returns automatically to a position where it abuts the spindle 11.Therefore, no trouble is caused in the operation of the valve controldevice 5 after finishing the manipulation of the start button C. In thevalve controller 105, as indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 6, anauxiliary control lever 106′ may be manipulated before starting themanipulation of the control lever 106 to drive the cam rod 14, therebyopening the switching valve 2. This decreases the force necessary formanipulating the control lever 106. When a user removes his or her handfrom the auxiliary lever 106′ after finishing the manipulation of thecontrol lever 106, the cam rod 14 returns automatically to a positionwhere it abuts the first cam 108. Therefore, no trouble is caused in theoperation of the valve controller 105 after finishing the manipulationof the control lever 106.

[0209] In the valve controller 5, as indicated by phantom lines in FIG.2(a), the button body 16 may be provided with a return spring 16″. Inthis case, when a user removes his or her hand from the button body 16after he or she finished pushing down the button body 16, the buttonbody 16 immediately returns to the start point. In the valve controller105, the control lever 106 may be provided with a one-way clutch and areturn spring. In this case, when a user removes his or her hand fromthe control lever 106 after he or she rotated the control lever 106clockwise to abut it against the stopper 112, the control lever 106immediately returns to the start point. This makes the user feel easybecause the button body 16 or the control lever 106 returns to the startpoint immediately after completion of the manipulation.

[0210] In the valve controller 105, it is possible to remove the firstcam 108 and adjust the cam surface of the second cam 113 to let thesecond cam 113 and the third cam 115 switch the switching valve 2 andthe selector valve 3 in their clockwise rotations corresponding to thehomeward movement of the first cam 108. Thus, the switching valve 2 andthe selector valve 3 are switched only by the helical coil spring 111,whose operating duration is accurately controlled by the mechanicaltimer 117. Therefore, the quantity of the discharging wash water iscontrolled accurately.

[0211] In the valve controller 105, a power spring may be disposedinstead of the helical coil spring 111.

[0212] In the valve controller 5, the cam engaging member 13 may engagethe cam 11 c with the cam rod 15 in the outward movement of the spindle11 and after the cam 11 a engaged the cam rod 14.

[0213] Another example of the device for adjusting the value of thecurrent consumer of the mechanical timer 117 provided for the valvecontroller 105 will be described.

[0214] As shown in FIG. 22, an output terminal of the generating device120 is connected to an input terminal 400 to apply the electromotiveforce of the generating device 120 to the input terminal. A device 410for adjusting the setting value of current consumer is provided inparallel with a current consumer 401 made of a pre-set variableresistor. The device 410 is provided with a voltage dividing circuitmade of resistors 403, 407 and 408. The voltage dividing circuit isconnected to an input terminal (G) of a transistor 409. The transistor409 is a N-channel MOSFET with a depression+enhancement typecharacteristic adapted to control a drain (D) current depending on thevalue of the gate (G) voltage. It can be considered that the gatevoltage is univocally determined by the ratio of the resistances of theresistors 403, 407 and 408 because the input impedance of the gate isvery large and the current flowing into the gate is negligibly small. Itis therefore possible to control the gate voltage so as to control thecurrent flowing in the transistor 409 and the ON resistance between thedrain (D) and source (S). The ON resistance of the transistor 409fluctuates or the transistor 409 is switched depending on the value ofthe input voltage of the transistor 409. Thus, the setting value ofcurrent consumer of the device 410 and the value of the current flowingin the device 410 are controlled through the resistor 406 and thesetting value of current consumer for the generating device 120 iscontrolled.

[0215] The resistor 407 is an NTC type thermistor wherein resistancedecreases as the temperature rises. Therefore, the input voltage or thegate (G) voltage of the transistor 409 increases, the current flowing inthe transistor 409 increases and the ON resistance decreases as thetemperature rises. The internal resistances of the coils 120 f and 120 gof the generating device 120 increase, the currents flowing in the coils120 f and 120 g decrease, and the braking force of the generating device120 decreases as the temperature rises. The resistor 407 is a device forcompensating for reduction of the braking force of the generating device120 due to temperature rise. When the device 410 is provided with anegative characteristic with respect to fluctuations of the internalresistance of and the current flowing in the generating device 120 dueto temperature rise, the braking force of the generating device 120 doesnot fluctuate, the rotation velocity of the shaft 118 does notfluctuate, the velocity of the homeward rotation of the first cam 108does not fluctuate, and the rotation velocities of the second cam 113and the third cam 115 do not fluctuate even if the temperaturefluctuates.

[0216] The aforementioned device 410 has also the following advantage.When the rotation velocity of the generating device 120 changes, theoutput voltage of the generating device 120 changes, and the voltageapplied to the input terminal 400 changes. When the rotation velocityincreases, the electromotive force increases to increase the inputvoltage of the transistor 409. When the rotation velocity decreases, theelectromotive force decreases to decrease the input voltage of thetransistor 409. When the rotation velocity of the generating device 120increases to increase the electromotive force of the generating device120, the gate (G) voltage increases to decrease the ON resistance of thetransistor 409, the current flowing in the transistor 409 increases, theresistance of the device 410 decreases, the value of current consumerfor the generating device 120 increases, and the rotation velocity ofthe generating device 120 decreases. While, when the rotation velocityof the generating device 120 decreases, the resistance of the device 410increases, the value of current consumer for the generating device 120decreases, and the rotation velocity of the generating device 120increases. As seen from the foregoing explanation, the value of thecurrent consumer is automatically adjusted as the rotation velocity ofthe generating device 120 changes to keep the rotation velocity of thegenerating device 120 substantially constant. Therefore, even if thedriving torque changes, the rotation velocity of the generating device120 is kept constant, the velocity of the operations of the valves arekept constant, the durations of the operations of the valves are keptconstant, and the operations of the valves become stable.

[0217] A resistor 404 is connected to a resistor 403 in parallel througha switch 405. It is possible to manipulate the switch 405 normallyturned OFF to drive the resistor 404 to ON condition, thereby adjustingthe value of the current consumer for the generating device 120. Acapacitor 402 removes noise, absorbs excessive input current, andprevents malfunction, etc. when the switch 405 is distanced from thedevice 410 and connected to the device 410 with a signal wire. When theswitch 405 can be manipulated from outside of the device 410, it ispossible for a user to manipulate the switch 405 to adjust the gate (G)voltage of the transistor 409, thereby adjusting the operationvelocities of the valves and the durations of the operations of thevalves freely depending on the purpose. When operation of the switch 405is linked with the manipulation of the control lever 106, it is possibleto change the operation velocities of the valves and the durations ofthe operations of the valves freely only over a predetermined section ofthe movement or only during a predetermined period, thereby easilycarrying out complex control of the operations of the valves and freelychanging the quantity of the discharging wash water. When a plurality ofoperation velocities of the valves different from each other or aplurality of durations of the operations of the valves different fromeach other are set in advance and a desirable operation velocity or adesirable duration of the operation can be selected, the operations ofthe valves can be started and stopped safely and surely even if a usernot used to the valve controller 105 manipulates it the wrong way or aunexpected malfunction occurs in the mechanism of the valve controller105.

[0218] The MOSFET provided with a depression-enhancement typecharacteristic can be driven by a micro voltage and controlled by microcurrent operation. Therefore, it can be driven by a micro electromotiveforce of the generating device 120. The device 410 provided with theMOSFET can set the value of the current consumer accurately, surely andfreely, achieve temperature compensation, and achieve velocitycompensation.

[0219] A mechanical timer that can be added to the mechanical timer 117provided for the valve controller 105 will be described.

[0220] As shown in FIG. 23, a friction brake 500 is provided with arotor 501 and a stator 502. A coil spring 503 forces the rotor 501against the stator 502 through a slip washer 504 to generate bearingpressure in the abutting portion between them. A nut 507 threads on anexternal thread 506 of a fixed shaft 505. It is possible to adjust thedegree of threading of the nut 507 to adjust the bearing pressure in theabutting portion between the rotor 501 and the stator 502. A gear 508 isformed integrally with the rotor 501. The gear 508 meshes the third gear114 of the valve controller 105. The rotor 501 rotates as the third gear114 rotates to generate frictional heat in the abutting portion betweenthe rotor 501 and the stator 502. Thus, a part of the strain energyreleased from the helical coil spring 111 is consumed in the abuttingportion between the rotor 501 and the stator 502 to become frictionalheat. Frictional resistance appearing in the abutting portion betweenthe rotor 501 and the stator 502 regulates the velocity of the homewardrotation of the first cam 108, the velocities of the rotations of hesecond cam 113 and the third cam 115, and the duration of the operationof the helical coil spring 111. It is possible to adjust the degree ofthreading of the nut 507 to adjust the value of the frictionalresistance in the abutting portion between the rotor 501 and the stator502, thereby adjusting the duration of the operation of the helical coilspring 111.

[0221] A push button type device for driving the first gear 107 of thevalve controller 105 will be described. The device can be used insteadof the control lever 106.

[0222] As shown in FIG. 24, a push button 552 forced by a spring 551 isconnected to a toilet body 553. When the push button 552 is forced, arack 554 is driven, the first gear 107 of the valve controller 105meshing the rack 554 is rotated, and strain energy is accumulated in thehelical coil spring 111. The rack 554 is provided with a cam 555. A camrod 556 engages the cam 555. The cam rod 556 engages the switch 405 ofthe device 410 or the nut 507 of the friction brake 500.

[0223] Before the push button 552 is manipulated, the aforementionedmembers are in the conditions shown in FIG. 24(a), wherein the pushbutton 552 is distanced from the rack 554, and the cam rod 556 abuts theleft side end face of the cam 555.

[0224] When a user forces the push button 552 to move it by apredetermined distance, the push button 552 abuts the rack 554 to movethe rack 554 to a point shown in FIG. 24(b). The cam rod 556 abuts theright side end face of the cam 555. The first gear 107 is rotated,strain energy is accumulated in the helical coil spring 111, the firstcam 108 rotates to push up the cam rod 14, and the cam rod 14 leaves therectangular cutout of the second cam 113 outwardly in radial direction.The clutch projection 110 a has gone up the slope of the clutchprojection 110 b to the head and opposes the next clutch projection 110b. The perpendicularly concaving rear end 110 a″ of the clutchprojection 110 a opposes the perpendicularly concaving fore end 110 b′of the clutch projection 110 b. When the user removes his or her handfrom the push button 552, the helical coil spring 111 releases theaccumulated strain energy, the clutch projection 110 a meshes with theclutch projection 110 b, the first cam 108 rotates homeward at apredetermined velocity, the second cam 113 and the third cam 115 rotateat predetermined velocities, and the selector valve 3 and the switchingvalve 2 are switched at predetermined velocities and durations ofoperations.

[0225] When the user forces the push button to move it a little further,the cam rod 556 is driven by the cam 555 as shown in FIG. 24(c). Thus,the cam rod 556 turns ON the switch 405 of the device 410 to change thevalue of current consumer for the generating device 120 or changes thedegree of threading of the nut 507 of the friction brake 500 to changethe value of frictional resistance in the abutting portion between therotor 501 and the stator 502. The clutch projection 110 a has gone upthe slope of the clutch projection 110 b to the middle. When the userremoves his or her hand from the push button 552, the helical coilspring 111 releases the accumulated strain energy and the first cam 108rotates homeward at a high velocity. The clutch projection 110 a goesdown the slope of the clutch projection 110 b promptly to mesh with theclutch projection 110 b, the first cam 108 rotates homeward at thechanged velocity, the second cam 113 and the third cam 115 rotate, andthe selector valve 3 and the switching valve 2 are switched at thechanged velocities and operating durations. It is possible to change thevelocity of the homeward rotation of the first cam 108, the velocitiesof rotations of the second cam 113 and the third cam 115, therebyachieving various kinds of flushing modes with different durations offlushing and different quantities of discharging wash water. It ispossible to change the velocity of rotation continuously depending onthe distance of the movement of the push button 552 instead of changingthe velocity of rotation alternatively.

[0226] An example of a device for setting the value of current consumeris shown in FIG. 25. (a) is a plan view and (b) is a horizontalsectional view. When a user engages a driver with a cross shaped groove602 formed on an adjusting knob 601 of a device for setting the value ofcurrent consumer to rotate the adjusting knob 601, a shaft 603 rotatesintegrally with the adjusting knob 601, the rotation of the shaft 603 istransmitted to the nut 507 of the friction brake 500 to adjust thedegree of threading of the nut 507, the value of the frictionalresistance in the abutting portion between the rotor 501 and the stator502 is adjusted, and the velocity of operation and the velocity ofduration of operation of the valve controller 105 is adjusted. It ispossible to transmit the rotation of the shaft 603 to a control lever ofthe resistance R1 or R2 of the mechanical timer 117, thereby driving thecontrol lever of the resistance R1 or R2 structured as a variableresistor, adjusting the value of the resistance, and adjusting thevelocity of operation and the velocity of duration of operation of thevalve controller 105. An engaging projection 605 a of a fixed platespring 605 engages one of engaging grooves 604 formed on thecircumferential surface of the adjusting knob 601 at a constant pitch.Thus, the adjusting knob 601 or the shaft 603 rotates stepwise anddiscontinuously. An engaging projection 606 formed on the adjusting knob601 abuts a stopper 607 a or a stopper 607 b to prevent the adjustingknob 601 from rotating excessively due to wrong manipulation. An arrowformed by a part of the groove 602 indicates a division 608 to indicatethe present set value of current consumer clearly. The device 600 makesit possible to adjust the value of the current consumer easily andsurely.

[0227] The structure of the mechanical timer is not limited to those inthe aforementioned embodiments. City water, oil, etc. can be used as theoperating fluid of the mechanical timer A. Any kind of motor such as astepping motor, a synchronous motor, a brushless motor, DC brushlessmotor, etc. can be used for the generating device 120 of the mechanicaltimer 17.

Industrial Applicability of the Invention

[0228] The flush toilet of the present invention can be used widely as awater-saving flush toilet adapted to be usable even at an electricservice interruption.

1. A flush toilet comprising a toilet body, a first means for supplyingwash water, a second means for discharging wash water, a third means foroperating as a valve disposed between the first means and the secondmeans, a fourth means for switching the third means, a fifth means fordriving the fourth means, a mechanical timer and a sixth means for beingmanipulated to supply the fifth means with strain energy, wherein thefifth means releases the strain energy accumulated in it to drive thefourth means, and the mechanical timer consumes a part of the strainenergy released from the fifth means to regulate duration of theoperation of the fifth means.
 2. A flush toilet of claim 1, wherein therate of the strain energy consumption by the mechanical timer increasesand decreases as the driving velocity of the fifth means increases anddecreases.
 3. A flush toilet of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanicaltimer comprises a generator driven by the fifth means and a currentconsumer connected to the generator.
 4. A flush toilet of any one ofclaims 1 to 3, further comprising a seventh means for adjusting the rateof the strain energy consumption by the mechanical timer to adjust theduration of the operation of the fifth means.
 5. A flush toilet of claim4, wherein the seventh means alternatively selects one among a pluralityof rates of strain energy consumption different from each other..
 6. Aflush toilet of claim 4 or 5, further comprising an eighth means forbeing manipulated to manipulate the seventh means.
 7. A flush toilet ofclaim 4 or 5, wherein the seventh means is manipulated with the sixthmeans.
 8. A flush toilet of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the thirdmeans comprises a pilot-operated valve.
 9. A flush toilet of claim 8,further comprising a pipe connecting a pilot valve portion of thepilot-operated valve with a switching valve portion of thepilot-operated valve.
 10. A flush toilet of any one of claims 1 to 9,wherein the flush toilet comprises a plurality of the second means, andthe third means comprises a switching valve disposed on a wash waterpassage extending from the first means and a selector valve foralternatively supplying one of the second means with wash water.
 11. Aflush toilet of claim 10, wherein the selector valve is disposeddownstream of the switching valve and connected to the switching valvein series.
 12. A flush toilet of claim 10 or 11, further comprising aninth means for being manipulated to open the switching valve.
 13. Aflush toilet of claim 12, wherein the sixth means forms the ninth means.14. A flush toilet of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising atenth means for regulating flow rate of the wash water.
 15. A flushtoilet of claim 14, wherein the tenth means is an eleventh means forachieving a constant flow rate.
 16. A flush toilet of any one of claims1 to 15, further comprising a case for receiving the third means, thefourth means, the fifth means and the mechanical timer.
 17. A flushtoilet of any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a twelfth meansfor regulating the manipulated variable of the sixth means at apredetermined level.
 18. A flush toilet of any one of claims 1 to 17,wherein the fourth means moves reciprocally and its operation in theoutward movement is asymmetrical with that in the homeward movement. 19.A flush toilet of any one of claims 1 to 11 or claims 14 to 18, whereinthe fourth means is driven only by the fifth means.
 20. A flush toiletof any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a thirteenth means forreleasing the engagement of the sixth means with the fifth means afterthe operation of the sixth means for supplying the fifth means withstrain energy is completed to return the sixth means to the start point.21. A flush toilet of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the third meanscloses under the upstream pressure.
 22. A flush toilet of any one ofclaims 1 to 21, wherein the fourth means comprises a cam.
 23. A flushtoilet of claim 22, wherein the cam is provided with a shape wherein thecomponent of a force applied from the cam to the third means in thedirection of switching of the third means is larger than that in thedirection at right angles to the aforementioned direction.
 24. A flushtoilet of claim 22 or 23, wherein the fourth means comprises a pluralityof cams and the shape of the cam for switching the third means in theoutward movement of the fourth means is different from that of the camfor switching the third means in the homeward movement of the fourthmeans.
 25. A flush toilet of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein thefourth means comprises a first cam for opening the switching valve and asecond cam for closing the switching valve, the first cam has a shapeadapted to gradually open the switching valve, and the second cam has ashape adapted to rapidly close the switching valve.
 26. A flush toiletof any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the fourth means comprises athird cam for switching the selector valve, and the third cam has ashape adapted to gradually open the selector valve and rapidly close theselector valve.
 27. A flush toilet of claim 18, wherein the fourth meanscomprises a cam and a fourteenth means for engaging the cam with thethird means alternatively at the outward movement of the fourth means orat the homeward movement of the fourth means.
 28. A flush toilet ofclaim 27, wherein the fourth means comprises a fifteenth means forforcing the fourteenth means to a position where the fourteenth meanscan engage the cam.
 29. A flush toilet of claim 27 or 28, wherein thefourteenth means and the cam move reciprocally in one united body.
 30. Aflush toilet of claim 18 or any one of claims 27 to 29, furthercomprising a sixteenth means for controlling the stroke of thereciprocal movement of the fourth means.
 31. A flush toilet of any oneof claims 10 to 13, wherein the fourth means opens the switching valvein its outward movement.